School Age Children

Supports to school age children are provided through the Family Support Department at Community Crossroads. Services are provided as needed to eligible individuals and their families. Eligibility is determined in accordance with He-M 503. Some individuals may be determined conditionally eligible if there is not enough supporting information regarding the disability at the time of application. This is often the case with young children and teens. These services are provided while being committed to strengthening and supporting families within the context of their lives and within their own communities.

There are many supports that we offer to families, but because they are so individualized, it is difficult to mention them all. A few examples of the Family Support Services may include supports such as recreational opportunities, respite services, ongoing trainings, assistance in accessing environmental modifications or adaptive equipment, information and referral, periodic behavioral consultation & services, attendance at school meetings, assistance with planning for transition from early supports and services to school to adult services; and assistance with applying for state and federal benefits.

A social opportunity that is offered to individuals from the age 14 through 21 is the Youth group. The SARC Youth Group meets once a month during the school year in the Salem area. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to explore the local community with friends. They participate in many fun activities such as bowling, shopping, crafts, miniature golf, sports activities as well as parties and cookouts. We encourage you to contact your support coordinator about this group. We are always looking for new members to join the fun!

The Family Support Department provides the In Home Support Waiver to families with children birth to the age of 21. This waivered service is paid for by state and federal dollars; therefore, the child must have NH Medicaid in order to receive this service. The intent of the IHSW service is to provide care in the home to the child. The child and family have to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible, but the basic supports provided are personal care services to the child as well as respite, behavioral consultation, environmentalmodifications, etc. For more detailed information, please contact your support coordinator.

We try to offer a variety of information sharing events throughout the year. We participate in several community events to share information about our department. We provide trainings to our families and the community on a regular basis. We also participate in Transition events through the Transition Collaborative in our area. This is always a great way for families to begin planning for the future by meeting vendors, other parents, etc.

The Transition Guide has been updated and a Transition Checklist has been devised for all Family Support staff to use when working with families in the transition age. The Transition Guide and checklist work together to assist the family and staff through the process of Transition. They assist the staff and family in outlining areas of need, plans of action, etc. We have also devised many packets to send families at different ages. For example, a specific three page outline on what to do when your child turns 18 will be mailed to the parents of children that we support at the age of 17 and a half. We are continuously updating the transition process to ensure that those families receive accurate information and support along the way. As always, we ask all families to invite us to their child’s IEP meeting so we are able to assist when needed and remain involved through the transition period.

Community Crossroads consists of a Family Support Council as well as the Family Support staff. The members of the Family Support Council have a family member receiving services from an area agency. The Family Support Council provides advice and oversight to the area agency in the development of family support services.

Family Support has proven to be a cost effective program that is designed to keep families intact and prevent or delay the need for more intensive and costly services and supports. Community Crossroads embraces the ability to work with individual’s ands their families.